Security solutions provider, Trend Micro is actively working to help defend against cyber threats related to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The company says since its kick off on 12 June, global attention has been and will now be focused on Brazil and the pageantry and spectacle of one of the most popular sporting events.
Trend Micro has created an online resource to help World Cup fans and attendees with tools and information they can use to protect themselves from cyber criminals looking to exploit victims and carry out schemes and tricks.
"Our objective is to help ensure the world will not have its virtual pockets picked by cyber criminals," says Raimund Genes, CTO at Trend Micro. "We are here to monitor the globe for threats specific to the World Cup."
Information about these threats will be provided to the public via the online resource centre to help protect World Cup fans against cyber criminals, the security solutions provider says, adding that the resource centre offers the most current information on the latest threats detected by Trend Micro's threat defence experts and includes tips on what to avoid when receiving World Cup related offers, purchasing merchandise, e-mail threats and malware disguised as videos or news stories.
It adds that the resource centre also offers free software to help protect computers or mobile devices from malware and other threats.
Another feature of the security resource centre is a quiz helping visitors determine what kind of sports fan they are and what online threats they are most likely to encounter based on a profile developed through the quiz, says Trend Micro.
For example, it explains, a visitor may find they are a "loyal supporter" who is a likely target for thieves when purchasing their favourite team's merchandise online; or a "curious observer" who is keeping up with the World Cup casually but may fall victim of search result fraud as they seek out the latest information on the tournament.